It’s the perfect time to explore the great outdoors! With sunny days, gentle breezes, and ideal temperatures, there’s no excuse not to head outside! Simply pack a picnic lunch, some sunscreen, plenty of water, and one or two of these guides to get you started:
Dinosaur Train: Explore Outdoors!
The dinosaur train takes Buddy and his friends to the great prehistoric outdoors.
The Family Guide to Outdoor Adventures
The Family Guide to Outdoor Adventures features fun and engaging hands-on nature, camping, and bushcraft projects that get you and your children outside having more fun, strengthening your bond, and creating memories that will last a lifetime.
Get Outside Guide
This fun-filled guide inspires kids to get out of the house and explore the great outdoors where they can discover the wonder and amazement of the world around them, whether in their backyard, across the country, or around the world.
Fatima’s Great Outdoors
Excitedly joining her family for an outdoor camping trip in a Midwestern state park, Fatima Khazi helps set up a tent, build a fire, and fend off a daddy longlegs before settling down to sleep surrounded by the near-magical sounds of the forest.
Hiking Illinois
Hiking Illinois is your complete guide to 107 of the most scenic day hikes within the Land of Lincoln. No matter what region you wish to explore or how easy or hard a trek you want, this handy guide will lead you to the right trail.
The Rough Guide to the Great Lakes & Chicago
Explore rolling dunes, walking trails and waterfalls and then head to Chicago for museums and monuments and a slice of its famous pizza, or sleepy Springfield for its Abraham Lincoln sites.
Take a Hike Chicago
An exclusive guide to hiking in the greater Chicago Metropolitan area.
Explore More Illinois and Museum Adventure Pass Get free passes through our library for museums and unique cultural destinations throughout the Chicagoland area.
Or better yet, join us for fun and learning in the great outdoors at one (or more!) of our outdoor programs! Topics range from outdoor science to crafts to music. For a complete list of offerings and to register, visit our calendar.